Experience Fall Color on These Wisconsin Fall Boat Tours

Wisconsin is home to beautiful country roads, stunning hiking paths and adventurous biking trails — all wonderful ways to view Wisconsin’s gorgeous landscape painted to perfection in hues of crimson, orange and gold. But this fall, why not take your colorful adventures to the next level? Gather your group for a fall boat tour and experience Wisconsin’s vivid vistas from a whole new angle. Read on to find your next autumn adventure.

La Crosse Queen Cruises – La Crosse

What’s more iconic than a giant paddlewheel boat cruising down the Mississippi? Riding that paddlewheel boat surrounded by showstopping reds, oranges and yellows! Imagine the mighty Mississippi, the trees at peak fall color, bald eagles soaring overhead — that’s exactly the experience you and your group will have on the La Crosse Queen. 

While aboard, explore the open-air top deck, enjoy a meal (depending on the cruise you choose) or sip a cocktail from the lower deck’s bar. Choose from a variety of tours in the fall, from lunch or dinner cruises, a pizza cruise or the narrated (and very entertaining) sightseeing cruise.

Apostle Island Cruises – Bayfield

Experience the magnificent Apostle Islands with a narrated on-the-water tour. The area's natural scenery is unlike anywhere else and a cruise is the perfect way to explore. Fall color paints the area each year making it a must-see destination to enjoy this treasured, unspoiled landscape. The sights of Wisconsin’s “Crown Jewels” include lighthouses, sea caves, shipwrecks and abundant wildlife.

Clear Water Harbor Boat Cruises – Waupaca

Choose from two unique watercraft to explore a section of the Waupaca Chain O’Lakes: a 60-foot authentic sternwheeler called the Chief Waupaca or the Lady of the Lakes motor yacht. 

 Enjoy a narrated tour to learn about the history of the area and experience the natural beauty that comes even more alive in fall. Cruises are offered on weekends through September and October so you can plan to cruise around peak color for the season.

Dells Boat Tours – Wisconsin Dells

Tours of the Upper and Lower Dells reveal hidden canyons and towering sandstone cliffs complemented by brilliant fall foliage. The two-hour tour of the Upper Dells navigates through the high cliffs and around the spectacular rock formations, while also giving you and your crew the chance to go ashore to watch a famous dog leap and explore the enchanting Witches Gulch. The Lower Dells reveal a wider section of the Wisconsin River, perfect for gazing at the spectacular trees on shore ablaze in peak color.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Lake Geneva

The views of fall color on the shores of Lake Geneva while aboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line make autumn an especially wonderful time of year. The turn-of-the-century replica steamer Belle of the Lake offers narrated cruises with fascinating views of the grand estates that line Geneva Lake, or ride along one of the few remaining mail boat delivery routes in the United States. Whichever tour you choose, the area’s history and season’s backdrop are sure to deliver a memorable excursion.

Original Wisconsin Ducks – Wisconsin Dells

Riders are treated to eight and a half miles of fun and adventure on both land and water aboard the famous Original Wisconsin Ducks. Tours wind through colorful scenery on the Wisconsin River, Lake Delton and wilderness trails. This is a great way for you and your family to explore the natural scenery of the area from two uniquely beautiful angles.

Searching for more autumn adventures on the water? Check out these great Wisconsin places for paddling through fall color.